12/19/2019 -
Name: Tara Beiden (right)
Years at SCOE:
5 years with SCOE.
Job Title:
Division Support Assistant
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
Administrative support for the department that provides professional development for educators.
Where did you grow up?
Petaluma
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
Mrs. Malkus, 5th grade. She was fun and warm, but had high expectations for her students. When we walked into class each morning, we were expected to look her in the eye and say good morning with a firm handshake.
What is your favorite thing about working for SCOE?
My colleagues and how much everyone truly cares about each other. ESS has always been a very family-friendly work environment and, having a young son, I can’t imagine a better place to work.
What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
Receiving the Golden Bell award
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
I enjoy hikes and bike rides with my son and husband and I like to unwind with a glass of wine and a good book or TV show.
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
I can’t think of one specific place, but I love the rolling hills of West County as you drive out to the coast.
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Name: Elizabeth Najmabadi (left)
Years at SCOE:
2 years with SCOE
Job Title:
Event Planner
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
I coordinate and plan professional learning opportunities for educators in service of transforming the student experience.
Where did you grow up?
I moved a lot growing up but Sonoma County is where I call home. Sebastopol was the most monumental place I lived growing up. I love the sense of community it has.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
Sunny Galbraith, a teacher at Orchard View School (a home school program) in Sebastopol. I was homeschooled for most of my high school years by choice and I loved it. Sunny was my science teacher and she always showed up to class with so much energy and enthusiasm. You could tell this was something she was passionate about. She made us want to be there. She always asked us what our strengths were and gave us a voice and choice. Sunny sparked my interest in pursuing a health/science career. She was someone who made mistakes and learned with us. She made it a safe space to ask questions and learn from our mistakes.
What is your favorite thing about working for SCOE?
The level of care and thought that goes into their work to do meaningful work with educators in service of students.
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
Crafting of any sort and spending time with family and friends.
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
Going to Dillon Beach!.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
When I was younger I was in the circus at my school! Learning trapeze and how to ride the unicycle were two things I loved about being in the circus!
